Westport, Connecticut Family Law, Mediation and Divorce Attorneys

Broder & Orland, LLC

One Morningside Drive North, Building A
Westport, Connecticut 06880
USA

(203) 222-4949

www.broderorland.com

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Law Firm Overview

Broder & Orland LLC offers sophisticated and individually focused client services built on years of experience, a team approach and a firm commitment to achieving the most favorable results on behalf of our clients. Attorneys Broder and Orland are experienced trial lawyers, having practiced law for over 14 years and 30 years, respectively. With this depth of experience, our firm is adept at identifying and customizing the approach most suitable for any situation.

Our team approach extends to the experts we assemble on a case-by-case basis. In cases involving high net worth individuals, we routinely work with business valuation experts, financial experts and forensic accountants. In cases involving custody, visitation and parenting plans, we often work with private investigators, parenting coordinators, psychiatrists, therapists and social workers. By partnering with these professionals, we are sure to obtain a clear understanding of the specific issues of each case. This is true, for example, in a divorce involving a complex business valuation, drug and alcohol abuse by a parent or custody considerations for a special needs child.

Our team also includes talented associate attorneys and paralegals. This enables us to provide total coverage for every case at all times. More than one attorney will have at least a working knowledge of each client's case. We pride ourselves on being extremely responsive to each and every client in a most timely manner. It would be rare day that a client would not be able to speak with one of our attorneys about his/her case or at the very least, be scheduled for a telephone conference the next day.

Practice Areas

Practice Areas Description

- Divorce

Many divorces involve complex issues including business valuations and tax analyses in the case of high net worth individuals; custody, visitation and parenting disputes; a thorough and creative approach to alimony and child support; deviation from the Child Support Guidelines; an equitable distribution of marital property; or the proper valuation of a closely-held or family-owned business. We routinely partner with well-established and highly recognized experts whenever necessary, to strengthen our client's position — whether in litigation, negotiations or mediation.

- Child Custody and Visitation / Parenting Plans

A parenting plan will likely consist of legal custody, physical custody and parenting schedules. We do not like to use the term "visitation" as no parent should "visit" with his/her child. The term "Parenting Plan" more accurately reflects that both parents have rights to be with their children and to share time with them. This may occur according to a fixed schedule or in some cases, with a less defined arrangement and a great amount of flexibility. Legal custody generally refers to decisions made regarding the children's education, health care and religion. Physical custody refers to where the children will live. We work to reach solutions through negotiated settlements, mediation and litigation. We encourage parents to collaborate on issues of child custody. However, in some situations, litigation may be necessary.

- Alimony and Child Support

Broder & Orland LLC is dedicated to obtaining fair resolutions to child support and alimony. Our firm represents parents who will be receiving child support as well as parents who will be responsible for paying support. In Connecticut, child support is governed by the Child Support Guidelines. These Guidelines consider several factors in addition to each parent's income. Individuals with higher income may fall outside the Guidelines. There are other factors that require a deviation from these Guidelines, requiring individually suited obligations. After a divorce judgment has been finalized, it may be possible to modify child support and alimony agreements based upon a substantial change in circumstances. A common example is when an individual has experienced a job change or increased needs.

- Prenuptial Agreements

A prenuptial agreement is a valuable tool that clarifies the rights and obligations of each party in the event of a divorce and in some cases, death of either party. Prenuptial agreements are governed by statute in Connecticut. Properly drafted prenuptial agreements will be upheld by the Connecticut courts; improperly drafted agreements may not be enforceable in court and could result in costly litigation. Our attorneys creatively handle a wide array of prenuptial agreements, including highly complex prenuptial agreements for high net worth individuals.

- Enforcement of Judgment

When one party fails to comply with the terms of the divorce agreement, the other party can file a contempt action. Common contempt situations involve: failure to pay support or not paying in a timely manner; parenting issues; required disclosure and accountability, including the exchange of yearly tax returns; maintenance of life insurance policies; and health reimbursement claims. At Broder & Orland LLC, our lawyers have been successful in enforcing child support payments, alimony, and other divorce terms for clients throughout Fairfield County and Connecticut. Much of our success stems from the sophisticated, case-specific approaches we employ during the representation of our clients.

- Asset Protection / Property Distribution

Under Connecticut law, all assets and liabilities that exist at the time of divorce are subject to an equitable distribution, including assets brought to the marriage by either party. The name in which a particular asset is titled is not a determinative factor. Property will be equitably divided based on numerous statutory factors. When appropriate, our firm will assemble the necessary experts in order to assist in areas such as business valuation, identifying hidden assets and other potentially complex issues. We also assist clients in dividing retirement assets, stock options and restricted stock and other employment benefits. These assets may have specifications regarding when a former spouse can access them. We make certain our clients are fully informed in regard to gaining access to these assets.

- Qualified Domestic Relations Orders

A Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO) recognizes a spouse's right to receive a portion of a retirement plan and defines certain specifications regarding the payment of that retirement plan upon a divorce. For instance, it specifies a percentage of a retirement plan that is to be paid out at a set date, such as when that person or the original owner of the retirement plan turns a specific age. We provide experienced representation in securing expert assistance in effectuating a QDRO.

- Child Custody, Relocation and Removal

Relocation or removal cases can be exceedingly difficult, emotional, and in some cases, gut-wrenching. We remain sensitive to these issues as they impact our clients and their children, while vigorously advocating our client's position. A parent who wishes to relocate with a child must consider a number of factors. Broder & Orland LLC in Westport, Connecticut, offers parents experienced guidance in all relocation and child custody issues. Our lawyers represent parents seeking relocation, as well as parents opposing child removal by the other parent.

- Alternative Dispute Resolution / Mediation

At Broder & Orland LLC, our lawyers recognize that mediation, collaboration and other forms of alternative dispute resolution may be a more cost-conscious, lower key and efficient approach toward reaching an agreement. For parties on relatively amicable terms, mediation or collaboration can alleviate some of the stress associated with divorce, custody, parenting plans, post-judgment matters, and save time and expense. Our legal team sometimes encourages people involved in more complex divorces to consider mediation or collaboration as a supplement to litigation. In many cases, this approach can facilitate a more respectful environment that can lead to fair resolutions.

- Business Valuation

For many clients involved in complex divorces, the proper valuation of a family-owned or closely held business is essential in order to reach an equitable property distribution. The law firm of Broder & Orland LLC, in Westport, Connecticut, has handled numerous divorces involving such businesses. Our family law attorneys work closely with a number of financial and business experts who can examine and analyze the financial records of the business. These experts work to identify inaccuracies or incomplete financial records to ensure that a business is properly valued.

- Post Judgment Modifications

The need to modify the terms of child custody or support can arise when there has been a substantial change in circumstances. Examples of a substantial change in circumstances may include a significant increase (or decrease) to one party's income, an increased need for support, or changes in the children's lives requiring an adjustment of a parenting plan. Broder & Orland LLC is adept at handling modifications of child custody, child support and alimony stemming from a variety of circumstances. We will remain attentive to our clients' needs, goals and the best interests of their children as we work toward devising a new custody or support agreement.